"Xavier..." Amy started with a hint of panic. "That's not what I meant when I-"
She felt guilty because had suggested he take a break. She didn't realize that he would go as far as leaving the city. What will Zach think of her? That she drove away his brother? Would he understand her intentions?
"I know what you meant sis", Xavier cut her in. "And you too Zach."
Amy looked at her fiancé. So he suggested the same thing? Is that what Xavier meant by she and Zach think alike? But still.... He was leaving. That did nothing to ease her guilty heart. She felt Zach take her hand in his and caress the top of it with his thumb. It was like he could hear her thoughts and he was calming her down. And so she did, and continued to listen to Xavier.
"My absence is only temporary. I'll be working from home as I'm doing now, I'll only come in when it's important. I just need a change in scenery that's all", he explained. "I've thought about doing this many times but now seems like the right time. And there's nothing holding me back."
Zach slowly nodded as he came to a decision and finally agreed. "Alright."
"Don't leave all the work for me", George joked.
"You'd hunt me down for it", Xavier countered as both men laughed. George gave him a strong pat on the back and Xavier returned one to him.
He looked at Amy who still had a frown on her face. He could tell she felt bad for him. So he decided to lighten up the mood.
"Don't worry. I won't miss the birth of my..... The little one. This uncle will be around", he patted his chest.
"You better. Who else is going to take pictures?" Amy grumbled as she looked away to blink back her tears and fanned her face. Zach frowned when he saw her being emotional.
"Exactly! Xavier agreed with a smile. He felt bad for making her cry and Zach's glare told him to undo the mess so he decided to throw a little joke. "You know, I thought of running away but I figured you'd find me before I even get there."
Amy laughed at this, no longer feeling bad. Zach snapped his fingers and held out his hand. Edmund was quick to fetch a box of tissues and give it to his boss.
"Thank you", Amy said when Zach gave her a tissue. Stella and Richard said nothing as they felt it had nothing to do with them. But they pitied the young man still.
"Where?" Zach asked.
"Albany."
Zach nodded. He really had thought this through. It was still in New York and he could easily drive down to visit everyone.
"When are you leaving?" George asked as everyone resumed eating.
"Tonight."
"So soon?" Stella blurted out.
"Yeah", he said with an awkward chuckle. "I don't want to give Mom a chance to change my mind."
"Good luck to that", George said with a shake of his head.
"Well, take care of yourself dear", Stella said.
"I will. I'm sorry this all-"
"Don't worry Xavier", Richard said with a shake of his head. "We all need this every once in a while. Do what you feel is best for you. But yes, take care of yourself.
"Thank you. I will."
The family continued to eat with a little chatter warming up the atmosphere. Amy followed Zach to the door where they had a little talk.
"Are you okay?" She asked him with a worries expression.
"Don't worry about me. He needs this", Zach said.
He may not have shown it but Amy knew he was worried about his little brother. But he was right, Xavier had been through too much in that environment. He indeed needed a change of scenario.
"Will you be okay?" He asked while tucking away stray strands and caressed her soft cheek. He was referring to the issue that has her down. "Or do I need to make you feel better again?"
Amy smacked him as she blushed knowing what he meant. "I'm fine. You have nothing to worry about."
Zach chuckled in amusement when he saw her like this. He could never get enough of making her blush like this. Amy forced herself to recover from her embarrassment as she gave him a serious reminder.
"Don't forget."
"I know."
George was just walking out when he saw the couple talking. He wanted to simply wave at them and continue on his way when Zach called him over. He took in their expressions as he walked to meet them. Both of them had serious expressions. Did something happen?
"Sir", George acknowledged, sensing the importance of the meeting.
"There's someone I need you to look into", Zach said with furrowed brows.
"Who?"
"Me", Amy answered.
George was confused at this. Didn't they already do that and she had put up a literal roadblock preventing them from gaining access to her information. But more importantly, why would he have to look into someone who is already here? And if Amy can't find it, how can he?
"My past is not so simple. I may have missed something so I need your help on this. Zach said you're the best at this", Amy said with a sweet smile.
George felt his heart swell in pride when he heard this. Unfortunately, he felt a headache coming from this. Looking into someone as mighty as A.J will not be easy.
"So that means we'll be working together?" He confirmed.
"Yes. This is really important you see", she emphasized with worry.
George slowly nodded before it turned into one of resolve. "So, where do we start?"
Amy felt nervous when he asked. It was a reminder that they were really going to embark on this journey of finding out who she is. The truth..... Who knows what it would mean for her. Zach gave her a comforting gaze when he saw her grow nervous. She exhaled softly, driving away the nervousness. .....where to start? One person came to mind.
"Joane Harper."
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